Chuck Milne leads the European Seniors Tour Qualifying School Stage One as the American was the only player in a field of 147 to break 70 on a testing first day in the Algarve.

Milne shot a three-under-par 69 at Quinta de Cima to lead fellow American Mitch Thomas by two strokes.

Canadian Graham Gunn led the way at Pinheiros Altos, where a stiff breeze made for testing conditions.

Best of the Irish is Paddy O'Boyle, whose 73 at Quinta de Cima has him in a share of fifth behind Milne.

The 50 leading players from the two courses after two rounds will join 22 exempt players in the 72-man field for the finals. The leading 14 there secure full tour cards.

• Sergio Garcia will take the rest of the year off to prepare for the new season. The Spaniard has withdrawn from the invitation-only Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa later this month to take an extended break.

Garcia (27), had five weeks off in September before returning for three events on the European Tour.

• Two-time Ryder Cup winner David Howell has backed Nick Faldo to lead a successful challenge at Valhalla next year despite recent criticisms directed at the six-time major winner's ability as a "team player".

"Nick is a legend in our eyes, for some of the younger guys, Nick was winning majors when most of the younger guys were just starting out so we all look up to him immensely," Howell said.

"He will do it his way I'm sure, but there are many ways to be a good Ryder Cup captain and I'm sure Nick will."